The world is your oyster, so fly high and land your dream job abroad!

Who hasn't dreamed of living and working abroad… even if it's just for a couple of years? Exciting experiences, a different culture to indulge in, and the chance to connect with people you wouldn't ever meet during your normal commute. Make this dream a reality by finding out how to get a job abroad with our easy part-by-part guide.

The advantages of working abroad

  • Soaking up a whole new culture and way of life

  • Expanding your network

  • Learning a new language

The disadvantages of working abroad

  • Being away from familiar territory, family, and friends

  • Having to start all over again

  • Learning a new language (!)

Having taken a look at the advantages and disadvantages, you've got to decide if it really is for you. If you're an introvert who prefers the comfort of familiarity and a set routine, working abroad might be a step too far for you at this stage.

However, if you're up for new experiences, raring to meet strangers that turn into friends, and open to a whole new life, then this could be right up your street.

How to get a job abroad – a 3-part guide

When you're aiming to work in a foreign land, it's smart to plan your move systematically. Make sure to cover all the essential steps – from learning about living and working in the country to finding your dream role and perfecting your application.

Part 1: the research

This has got to be your first port of call – you can't just open up an atlas, close your eyes, and stick a pin somewhere in the world with the aim of settling there. You need to have some sort of a clue about where in the world you want to work, with a realistic idea of if you actually can.

Can you speak the language, or are you pretty sure that English is widely spoken where you're thinking of going?

Weigh up the pros & cons

Discover as much as you can about the country, such as the cost of living, educational facilities if you have children, your employment rights, what the healthcare system is like, and the politics. Take a few months, or at least a few weeks, to really consider where it is you want to go, and why.

Top tip: Speaking to someone who has worked in your chosen country is a great starting point as they can offer up the pros and cons from a true perspective.

Review the country's visa or work permit requirements

When considering how to get a job abroad, being able to legally work wherever it is you're thinking of is vital. Otherwise it will all be for nothing!

Remember that applying for, and receiving, a visa or work permit for a job a long way away can take a fair amount of time as well as a fair amount of money. For example, if you're looking to work in the US, you'll need to secure one of four possible work visas / permits. You might also need to have a health check or provide some sort of DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) to prove you don't have a criminal record.

If you're particularly short on both money and time, you can also aim for an overseas organisation that's able to sponsor you; this way, you can keep on top of the visa process with more ease.

Top tip: If you find yourself needing to apply for a visa or permit to work abroad, contact the consulate of your destination to find out exactly what's needed before ploughing ahead with the rest of the process.

Part 2: the job search

Once you've made your mind up that this really is for you, it's time to start searching for jobs. Don't fool yourself into thinking that working abroad is like taking a gap year. This is a very different kettle of fish. You're not a student anymore, and could be making a life for yourself for a fair few years, wherever you choose to settle, not just for six months. You can explore possible international jobs for foreigners via:

Job boards

As a starting point, check out the working abroad section at Prospects.ac.uk which has entries for about 30 different countries, from the UAE to Singapore and Poland. While it's mainly a site for graduates, it has some pertinent and useful information on each country featured.

Additionally, The Guardian has an overseas job section, with filters such as industry, job level, and global locations.

Networking platforms

Seek out groups online with members who have similar work interests and are knowledgeable about the country you're aiming for. Connect with them to find out more, by being proactive and leading the conversation. Most social media platforms have these types of forums that you can lean into.

Top tip: Another great networking opening is the alumni association from your college or university.

International recruitment agencies

Tap into the expertise of international recruiters for jobs abroad. There are many agencies based in the UK, working on behalf of global companies, vying to place employees around the world. While they do charge a fee, it can save you a lot of time in the long run.

Websites of businesses with global offices

Search UK companies with offices around the world and check out their careers site for any openings in your preferred work destination. The top 10 multinational companies in the UK include Barclays Bank (finance and banking), Tesco (FMCG), Compass Group plc (food service), International Airlines Group (airlines), BT (communications), and GlaxoSmithKline (pharmaceuticals).

Part 3: the application

Once you've honed in on the country of choice, and the type of role you wish to pursue, it's time to apply! This can certainly be the scary part, so it's worth spending a lot of time and effort getting it right. Being able to converse in the right language is a good start, and really quite vital if you're wanting to work there. Make sure to:

Localise your CV

There are many differences between CVs from different countries, so you need to be aware of this, and adapt. For example, there's no point in including a photo if you're applying for a job in Australia, as that isn't required. So look at what this document should include for the country where you're wanting to move.

They're also called different names, so while it's known as a CV in the UK and EU countries, most of the rest of the world refer to this document as a resume.

Top tip: Check that you've spelt everything correctly, as American English is used in some countries, but not others.

Research the company

You can easily do this by checking out the “About Us” and “Mission Statement” pages on the organisation's website to find out about its core values, work culture, and ethos. Knowing these details can help you craft your cover letter (see below) and prepare for your interview later on. It's also worth signing up to any communication platforms that the company uses, such as Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp, so you're ready and waiting when the call comes to take part in an online interview. 

Attach a persuasive cover letter

While the CV is a more formal document, detailing your skills, experience, and knowledge of the industry you're in, an impactful cover letter can help sell yourself that little bit more. Here, you can address the reasons why you want to relocate, while emphasising your passion for your industry or specific job, and why you want to work for that particular company.

Get a job abroad – extra tips

  • Learn the language. Consider taking a course in the chosen language, either in a group or on a language app. This will help you feel more confident when you do decide to move.

  • Look into a transfer. If your company has offices in other countries, it's worth seeing if you can transfer to a different location.

  • Tap into your connections. Ask family, friends, and colleagues if anyone has worked in your chosen destination for tips on what it's like, or if anyone you know has connections with any businesses globally.

Which country is best for living and earning money?

According to a 2023 survey on work-life balance by Remote, a HR-tech company, the top five countries to live are:

  1. New Zealand for high minimum wage, 32 days of statutory leave, and a lifestyle that's laid back but focuses on the good things like healthy living and having fun.

  2. Spain for the great weather most of the year round, 26 days of annual leave, and those long lunch breaks!

  3. Denmark for ending the working day at 4pm, having special family time between 4pm and 7pm, and more of an emphasis on flexible working.

  4. France for an average of 36 days annual leave, over 16 hours a day of me-time, and the famous café culture.

  5. Italy for workers spending 69% of their day on leisure and personal care, making it the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) country where people have the most leisure time, the glorious weather, and a productive approach.

What kinds of jobs are easy to get in a foreign country?

This will vary from country to country, but if you have skills and experience in retail, customer service (as long as you can speak the language), and hospitality, then you're on the right path. All of these sectors transfer to other countries, as towns and cities are always going to need hotel workers, shop employees, and workers with impeccable customer service skills.

What about seasonal jobs abroad?

If all of this sounds quite intimidating, you could dip your toe into this area by checking out if there are opportunities abroad for internships, including seasonal jobs, and summer jobs abroad. That way you have a safety net as you can give it a go, and if it doesn't work out exactly as you'd expected, you can return home with nothing lost.

Stretch your wings

Now that you know how to get a job abroad, take the bull by the horns and grab the moment to take action. If you're keen to leave the UK for pastures new, but don't delve into the possibilities, you might regret it for the rest of your life – so go for it!

Make sure your CV is in tip-top shape. Run it through TopCV's free CV review so you'll know if it's ready to land you your dream role abroad.

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: